Move It, People!

Qatar drivers avoid crossing the dreaded line
to give clearance to the ambulance

Yes, we have real ambulances in the deserts of the Middle East. No one riding up on a camel to assist you with your medical needs, although there are times when in Doha's traffic that might be more expedient. Respect for emergency vehicles in this country has been practically nonexistent. There are so many times that I've witnessed people actually honking at the EMS personnel to get out of their way. Crazy, huh? Times are changing, thank goodness, and people are being a little more tolerant of these emergency vehicles. I finally saw with my own eyes this week cars trying to get out of the way. They fell a bit short because they just didn't want to get caught crossing the line at a red light that would trigger the radar/camera to take their picture for an infraction that carries a hefty fine* here in Qatar. One almost cannot blame them. I can only imagine the hassle of having to show up for such violation and trying to prove that there was a valid reason for "jumping the light", as they call it in these parts. Regardless, people, get the heck out of the way. Lives are counting on you.

*fine for jumping the light: My Google search was futile. All links that I found to lead me to the traffic fines section at the MOI , instead took me to no man's land. Strange, indeed. I read through some discussions in Qatar living regarding the matter and the consensus was a fine of QR6000 for the misstep. In U.S. dollars that rounds out to about $1,650. OUCH!

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Angers Management~Kristi Style

The time is here. Kristi is heading to France tomorrow to begin her study abroad experience for the upcoming semester. After months of preparation and planning, she's not about to let a little strep throat and upchucking get in her way. Although, prayers, well wishes and good vibes are being sent her way via Facebook, I'm not sure her fever is keeping up with my page! C'est la vie as the French would say, but at the same time, let us hope that tomorrow brings on some serious healing powers. Kristi's first stopover in France will be to visit a friend that she met on spring break this past March, and who subsequently visited with us during our summer visit in Texas. Now, it's Mat's turn to show Kristi the town. Afterward, Kristi will head to Angers*, France for her fall semester continuing towards her degree in International Studies at the St Edward's campus in partnership with the Catholic University of the West. Who would have known coming over to Qatar for her senior year in high school would have opened her up to such adventures, moreover, opening me up to allowing her to do such an adventure! My eyes have definitely been opened...there is a world out there, folks. Discover it, even if it is vicariously through someone else. Au revoir!

Angers
(via Wikipedia)

*Pronunciation: \äⁿ-ˈzhā\

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Jeepers Creepers!

Not Prince's Little Red Corvette, but...

Something a tad more suitable for Doha's roads and more my speed. I take ownership of this cute little puppy in a week or so, barring any difficulties and we know there are NEVER any difficulties in Doha-ha-ha-ha-ha. We decided after three years that maybe the one vehicle household really needs two. After the decision was made, I instantly had visions in my head of a Jeep that a friend loaned me for the day to show her sister around town. (Thanks, Gina, it was real!) Exhilarating, to be exact, with the top off and throwing caution to the wind, well maybe not as much caution as it was sand, but fun, nonetheless. I barely got the word Jeep out of my mouth and David was ringing this guy up. Next thing you know I'm taking it for a test drive and then it's, "you've got yourself a deal". Beware, streets of Doha...I'm coming to a roundabout near you!

Little Red Corvette ~ Prince

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I'm Huffin' and Puffin'

I had a little surprise this morning upon waking...excess traffic on my blog. Rather than jumping to the conclusion that my popularity was spreading faster than a flashing Land Cruiser driven by a sharp dressed thobed man, I put myself on the case to see what the heck was going on. Fellow, but established blogger (I'm still pecking away), Shabina Khatri published an article that was picked up by the Huffington Post. Shabina's post features the incessantly talked about summer subject of none other than Qatar's killer heat. So how hot is it in Doha, Qatar?, she poses the question. Drum roll...wait for it... it's legendary...hot enough that "cars double as ovens". Hot diggity dog! That's me guys. Ok, Shabina didn't mention the "woman" by name, but that's my mug and cookies in the picture, along with a link to my blog. I've been published! That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sharped Dress Man ~ ZZ Top

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Let Bushes Be Bushes

Why can't bushes, be just that? Do we really need them to spell out Qatar, and tackily at that? This is the scene at Markhiya Roundabout, or as we call it in our household, Burger King Roundabout. I reported a while back on the skills that the local groundskeepers are honing at this very intersection, but it's getting out of control. I'm thinking they really just need to keep to their creative zigzags and leave the abc's out of it.

Related post: Art in a Roundabout Way

ABC ~ The Jackson 5

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